ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.
The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.
However, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.
The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.
The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.
And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.
That was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.
The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”
The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.
Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.
One fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”
Best new sign-up offers
SunSport exclusives
Another commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”
A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”
This fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”
And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”
Arsenal ratings vs Aston Villa
Arsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston Villa
Leandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.
But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.
Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.
GABRIEL – 7
Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counter
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.
MIKEL MERINO – 6
A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.
He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6
A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.
The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8
Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.
KAI HAVERTZ – 8
Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.
The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.
SUBS:
RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6
A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”.
Read the full article here
